Gone are the days when students had only 55 minutes to work out in the gym, thanks to the Student Government applying your student fees to aggressively acquiring a fitness center dedicated just for students. Students can now benefit by coming to the Downtown Milwaukee Campus, going to the M Building’s basement and the fitness center in Room M6. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.; this provides the flexibility and extended hours, which was a major issue with the Open Gym.

The fitness center is newly equipped with treadmills, exercise bikes, free weights, weight machines, yoga ball, and mats. “It’s open and available to the students; this is something that they wanted for a while,” said Travis Mrozek, athletic event specialist/academic monitoring for the Stormers. “Most of the equipment is similar to what you’d see at a Snap Fitness or 24/7 Fitness,” added Mrozek. About $48,000 was used to supply the gym with the equipment, and just for this little spot of heaven, it was money well spent.
This isolated area designated for students only gives students the opportunity to take leisure in working out when their schedules permit. Upon entering, students will have to present their identification to the staff member to be swiped into the system. Afterwards, they have to sign a waiver stating that they are working out on their own, which prevents liability for injuries sustained [standard to any fitness center].

Numerous students were unaware that this fitness center was made for them and paid by them through their student fees. At this moment, faculty has no access to use the fitness center, though some have argued the point. This is why the center was funded out of their student fees to keep exclusivity.
“Student Government, we appreciate you so much. We needed this workout facility so we could be in shape to get through these classes. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!” said Monique Hanyard, a Nursing program student. She was working out on the treadmill with her study partner, Sylvia Newsom, Nursing program, who added, “Thank you Student Government, we needed these exercise machines, so we could get our bodies and minds together.”
Many students enjoyed knowing that they have something to do between classes or that they don’t have to pay any gym fees for membership. You can always motivate a workout partner, just ask the person in your next class and start networking.
Staff members of the center ask that you use the locker room to store your belongings to avoid accidents and clutter. You can only work out if you’re wearing proper workout attire. Students have access to the lockers in the basement for men and women. Also, you have the opportunity to shower to be refreshed between classes as well.
Check it out on your next break and see how your student fees are benefiting you. Also, support your campus Student Government and become involved to know of other ways they are working for you.
Photos by Darin Dubinsky and Kirsten Schmitt